Boys Soccer: Passaic County Tech finding ways to fill the void

YOUTH MOVEMENT - After finishing 14-8-1 in 2012 and advancing to the second round of the Group 4 State Tournament, the Passaic County Tech boys' soccer team is in rebuilding mode of sorts and will turn to several underclassmen and players with limited varsity experience this fall.

WAYNE - Back to school.

Three of the most anticipated words for any student. That's also a prevailing thought as the Passaic County Technical Institute boys' soccer team prepares for the season with less than two handfuls of experienced players.

Even coach Marc Foti admits a majority of the roster is a mix of sophomores and juniors, but team chemistry is developing.

"These guys will do whatever it takes," said the ninth-year mentor. "We're still figuring out things, but at least in the early going it'll be a baptism by fire."

Foti is scrambling in the August heat to replace a raft of graduated players, most notably Teddy Forson. The Ghanian and Prospect Park resident hit for a single-season school record 36 goals and 13 assists and concluded with 95 career goals before heading off to Iona College (Note: Forson won't play this season at Iona but is expected on the field for the Gaels in 2014).

"Teddy provided plenty of goals; the offense went through him," said Foti of his former All-County player.

Now it's time for Chris Solis and Jose Huerta to assume the mantle. Solis, a lefty, has emerged as the Bulldogs' go-to player in the middle, while Huerta rejoins the squad after spending a year at Red Bulls Academy.

The junior strike-force must become formidable in a hurry.

"Playing together they could really wreak havoc," Foti said.

Junior Mario Cardenas is another third-year player who camps in the center of the park and "is the team's leader and willing do the little things to make our team successful," Foti said.

Kevin Valdivia, a junior midfielder, is slated to run outside, supporting in the flanks.

After missing a chunk of time last September with a concussion and ankle knack, junior goalkeeper Anthony Moyano is becoming the vocal leader and shot blocker to backstop the defensive third. His backup is Kevin Bueno, who is pushing for time.

"Anthony is healthy and more confident this year," Foti said.

Moyano's main help along the backline are sophomore Felix Benitez and senior Kevin Quiros, who had a limited role as a junior after starting for two seasons.

Foti will start for the Techsters, who went 14-8-1 last year and advanced to the second round of the Group 4, North Section 1 tournament, in a 4-2-2 formation that will undoubtedly evolve as the season progresses.

"I've been known to use three strikers, three defenders or five in the midfield. You play and then change the formation to your strengths. We'll mix up the combinations and figure it out before the season gets going," he added.

The Bulldogs host defending Passaic County and division champion Clifton on Sept. 12 in the season opener. Last season, Clifton recorded three wins over the Bulldogs, but lost to them, 2-1, in the State Sectional Tournament.

Fixtures

PCTI will battle Clifton for the Big North Conference Liberty Division title after the two sides tied in 2011. The Passaic County Coaches' Association Tournament gets underway in earnest on Oct. 5 with the opening round. The quarterfinals are Oct. 12 at the higher seed, semifinals are Oct. 19 at a neutral field and the final follows on Oct. 27 at Wayne Valley.

DePaul Catholic, Clifton, Passaic Valley and Wayne Hills will compete with the Bulldogs for County silverware.

"DePaul and Clifton are the top dogs, but you can't count out both Wayne schools [Hills and Valley]," Foti said.